Wrapping her hands around the cup, she took a deep breath and let it out again.
"Yes. It sounds ridiculous. I know Zoe loves me--"
"It sounds human." Arlene patted her arm. "You've had her to yourself for four years and she belongs to you. Now you're going to have to share her." She glanced at her husband who was there giving his silent support. Peter was a man of few words, but his presence was solid.
"I'm betting even now, she's going to call as soon as she reaches."
"No." Abby took another deep breath. "I have to give her space. He's her dad and they deserve to spend some time together." Her hands fluttered. "It's just that--"
"You're afraid our baby will see the other side, one where people live in mansions and decide she wants to stay there."
She turned her head to stare at her father. His intuitiveness should not amaze her; she had lived with it for years. And he always knew what she was thinking.
"Do you think she will?"
Peter folded his arms around her. "Not a chance. Drink up. We'll sit in your mother's salon and await her call."
*****
They were all waiting for her in the main hall. As soon as he came through the front door, Kat met them in the hallway.
"You're my Aunt Kat, like the kitty cat."
Looking pleased that she remembered, Kat crouched down to her level and embraced her.
"Welcome."
"It looks like a castle." The little girl murmured in a hushed voice.
Cade, who had taken the place for granted, saw the lush and grand beauty through the eyes of his daughter. She had leaned forward as soon as they entered the sweeping driveway and exclaimed at the lights surrounding the towering building.
"And you'd be the princess." Kat lifted her up and swept along the hallway into the large room where four people waited eagerly to see her.
"My dear." Eloise had a hard time keeping her composure as she got her first look at her granddaughter. "How absolutely beautiful you are."
"You look like my daddy and Aunt Kat."
Eloise blew out a breath and opened her arms. Without hesitation they were filled with the small child. "I'm your grandmother. It's so wonderful to see you."
The introductions were made and very soon, Zoe settled in as if she had known them all her life. Refreshments were served and then it was time for her to go upstairs to see her room.
"We understand your favorite color is pink and lavender."
Zoe nodded at her grandmother, before turning to her father. "Daddy."
"Yes pumpkin?"
"I want to call mama. She looked sad when I was leaving."
"Of course." Taking his phone out, he dialed her number. It was answered instantly.
"Is she okay?" Her voice sounded rushed as if she had been anticipating the call.
"She's fine. She wants to talk to you." He handed her the phone.
"Hi mama."
"Oh baby, how are you?"
